We’ve been very busy the last few weeks, and can happily say the roof and guttering is now 100% complete (repair of Bob’s damage done too). I’ve painted the outside brickwork too – it was originally a bright white but I preferred a warmer shade so opted for a cream, we are now stripping the paint from all the doorframes and the doors ready to paint those too.
The big decision though – what colour should the doors be? At the moment, they are a dark greyish/black/blue shade, and the main door a bright green (so anything would look better than this!) however, I am torn between a dark or bright blue, emerald green and then the wild card of a maroon/purple! Will have to see what looks good in the shop.
I am overjoyed to see the local riding club put out a notification that things are starting back up 😊 I have been a bit apprehensive going out now and wanted to keep it local until we get our bearings and confidence. We haven’t done much jumping yet as I’m waiting for my arena, (9 weeks to go!) so will be looking at showing/dressage/pleasure rides to start with!
I have just signed myself and Autumn up for a fitness clinic on Sunday so really looking forward to it and meeting some new horsey pals 😊, the riding club are also hosting a pleasure ride in August and some lovely ladies have invited Autumn and I to join them for it which I cannot wait for!
Aria is doing well with her physio exercises, I’ve been making sure she strides out when walking and going through countless bags of carrots for the stretches…only been nipped twice so that’s an improvement! We’ve almost finished the 2nd weeks’ worth of exercises, so will be doing the longer ones come mid-week! It’s quite useful as I can use the stretches for Autumn and Bob as well to help them 😊 She has her check-up not long away, so I will be excited to see if there’s been a difference with all the work, we are putting in.
I’m currently trying Autumn in a new bit I bought at a saddlery sale, its similar to her other one but has a copper roller as I’ve noticed she’s not a fan of the link in her snaffle. I’ve ridden her in it a few times now and she’s a lot softer, more responsive and generally happier with it which is a great positive.
I also get to tell my partner that it was worth going to the sale to buy it…..amongst all the other items we ‘had’ to buy!!! 😉. I hope you are all having fun with your equine pals, stay safe!
Diva and Jackson have travelled to shows together several times but, as we try to enter Jackson for gelding-only classes rather than mixed mare and gelding ones, they had never competed in the same class.
Bob and I had our second lesson with out new instructor and all I can say is wow (plus I also stayed aboard – just!)!
As mentioned in a previous blog, the way the grass is growing this year is causing problems for people with good doers. This time last year Diva and Mabel were out 24/7 and I was getting to the stage of giving a little hay at night as the grass just wasn’t growing.
While there are plenty of benefits to a beach ride there are also particular risks you need to plan ahead for. If you want to try out beach riding then you need to make sure it is safe. If you’re wondering where to start, then read our top tips.